ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Finance Ministry clarification regarding holding of competitive exam of PSBs in local languages by IBPS
This is with reference to the news report published in certain section of media regarding the advertisementgiven by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection for holdingan examination for recruitment in the clerical cadre ofPublic Sector Banks  only in two languages i.e. English and Hindi, despite the fact that 22 languages were recognized by the Constitution of India. The news report cites a statement made by the UnionFinance Minister in 2019 when she had assured holding banking exams in local languages.
In the above context, it may be clarified that the Finance Minister’s statement referred to above was made in the context of Regional Rural Banks  only. With a view to provide a level playing field to the local youths for availing employment opportunities, the Government in 2019 decided that for recruitment of Office Assistant and Officer Scale I in RRBs , examination will be held in 13 regional languagesincluding Konakani and Kannada, besides Hindi and English. Since then, examination for these recruitments are being conducted in regional languages also.
In order to look into the demand for holding examination for clerical cadre in Public Sector Banks  in local/regional languages, a Committee has been constituted to look into the matter in its entirety. The Committee will give its recommendations within 15 days. The ongoing process of holding the examination initiated by IBPS will be kept on hold until the recommendations of the Committee are made available.
RM/MV/KMN
(Visitor Counter : 2919
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
MSP Operations during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season  2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at MSP from farmers as per existing MSP Schemes.
Paddy procurement for Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States & UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Karnataka and West Bengal with purchase of over 604.03 LMTs of paddy up to 01.02.2021.This is an increase of 17.89 % against the last year corresponding purchase of 512.36 LMT. Out of the total purchase of 604.03 LMT, Punjab alone has contributed 202.77 LMT which is 33.57 % of total procurement.
About 88.08 Lac farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 1,14,041.90 Crore.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 51.92 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme .The sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. Further, based on the concerned State Govt. proposals, the sanction for procurement of 2.50 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Rabi Marketing Season 2020-2021 for the States of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, was also given. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 01.02.2021, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 3,06,198.80 MT of Moong, Urad, Tur, Groundnut Pods and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs.1,647.23 Crores benefitting 1,65,522 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu upto 01.02.2021. At present, in respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals of Pulses and Oilseeds.
Procurement operations of seed cotton  under MSP are going on smoothly in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka. Till 01.02.2021 a quantity of 90,08,018 cotton bales valuing Rs. 26,343.72 Crore has been procured benefitting 18,57,566 farmers.
Department of Atomic Energy
Department of Atomic Energy organizes a Curtain Raiser programme to mark the Centenary Celebrations of Dr Vikram Sarabhai
As a part of the year-long Birth Centenary celebrations of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space have organized a two day programme in Mumbai beginning from today. The programme was a curtain raiser to commemorate Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s contribution towards DAE.
A number of contemporaries of Dr. Sarabhai participated in the event. Luminaries like Dr. Kasturirangan,  Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, , Shri Surendar Sharma  were present and contributions of Dr. Sarabhai for various activities of DAE like establishment of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, giving a boost to nuclear power stations, establishment of important organisations in DAE like Heavy Water Board, Electronics Corporation of India Limited, Nuclear Fuel Complex and Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre were highlighted. Dignitaries, who had close association with Dr. Sarabhai, reminisced their association with him.
The programme is being followed with interaction with children on 18th October and is dedicated to children invited from various schools across Mumbai. Popular lectures on nuclear energy and space sciences, in addition to the Science Quiz and debate competitions and speeches, are the major attractions of this day.
This curtain raiser is being followed by similar programmes in different units of DAE till August 2020.
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered as the father of the Indian Space Programme, was born on 12th August 1919 in Ahmedabad. Contribution of Dr. Sarabhai towards Department of Space is well known. However, his contribution for Department of Atomic Energy in his capacity as Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission are equally important.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt visits Combined Defence Services topper Himanshu Pandey’s house in Uttarakhand
Lauds his dedication & hard work in achieving the feat despite hardships
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt visited the home of Himanshu Pandey, who secured first rank in the prestigious Combined Defence Services  examination, at Haldwani, Uttarakhand on June 07, 2022. The Raksha Rajya Mantri congratulated Himanshu for achieving the feat despite hardships and wished him a bright future. He said, Himanshu made not just Haldwani, but the whole of Uttarakhand proud.
Shri Ajay Bhatt commended the CDS topper’s dedication and hard work, stating that it will be a source of inspiration for other young students as well. He also lauded Himanshu's parents for ensuring that their son received education even in difficult circumstances.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Union Minister for Labour, Employment, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav led the International Day of Yoga  celebrations from Ram ki Paidi, Ayodhya
PM Modi has created a sense of collectiveness and awareness among the people towards Yoga: Shri Bhupender Yadav
Ram-Raj means equality for all and the king should be the servant: Shri Bhupender Yadav
India can become healthy and self-reliant with daily yoga: Shri Bhupender Yadav
Yoga has the potential to remove tension, unrest and turmoil around the world: Shri Bhupender Yadav
Union Minister of Labour, Employment, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, while addressing a gathering of more than 5000 people on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga  celebrations at Ram ki Paidi, Ayodhya, said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has created a sense of collectiveness and awareness about Yoga among the people. It is a matter of pride for India that Yoga has been recognized at an international level. The message of holy city of Ayodhya is the vision of Ram Raj in which there should be equal opportunities for all and the king should act as a servant of the public. Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav said that today under the leadership of the Prime Minister, modern India is moving on the same constructive path whose aim is to realize the concept of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas’ in the entire country and Yoga also shares the same message.
Shri Bhupender Yadav said that the manner in which we are expressing our faith and belief towards Yoga today is commendable. He said that if yoga becomes the basis of our daily routine, then India will not only be healthy but will also move towards the dream of self-reliance. Through yoga, we can eliminate the tension, unrest and chaos prevailing across the world, said Shri Yadav.
Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav said that Yoga is not just a physical discipline. The eight paths of Yoga that Patanjali refers to include - Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Through Yama we develop a sense of morality. We practice pure spiritual conduct through ‘Niyama’; conduct those activities through asanas which keep our body healthy. Pranayam helps us to control not only our breath but also our emotions.
Union Minister for Labour, Employment, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav said that Yoga, as a way of life, is applicable to all sections and age groups of the society. He said that the resolve to maintain good health through the practice of Yoga and Surya Namaskar is necessary not only for an individual but also for the society. Yoga is the mantra to stay healthy, added Shri Yadav.
Ministry of Defence
Andaman and Nicobar Command observes Hindi Pakhwada
Andaman and Nicobar Command observed Hindi Pakhwada in the month of September, 2022. A number of competitions were conducted to promote the awareness about the use of Hindi in official works. All the components of Andaman and Nicobar Command held various competitions during the Hindi Pakhwada.
A large number of personnel participated in Essay writing, Noting & Drafting, Poem recitation, Debate competition, General knowledge, Vocabulary test etc., and displayed keen interest in communicating in Hindi.
All four Component Commanders  of Andaman and Nicobar Command encouraged their respective services to earnestly promote Hindi in day-to-day office correspondence throughout the year. Prize and Certificates were given to the winners and participants of all competitions held during the Hindi Pakhwada fortnight.
ABB/GC
(Visitor Counter : 885
Prime Minister's Office
PM awarded the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize
The Seoul Peace Prize Committee has decided to confer the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in recognition of his dedication to improving international cooperation, raising global economic growth, accelerating the Human Development of the people of India by fostering economic growth in the world's fastest growing large economy and furthering the development of democracy through anti-corruption and social integration efforts.
While awarding the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize, the Award Committee recognized Prime Minister Modi's contributions to the growth of the Indian and global economies, crediting 'Modinomics' for reducing social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor. The Committee lauded PM's initiatives to make the government cleaner through anti-corruption measures and demonetization. The Committee also credited Prime Minister for his contribution towards regional and global peace through a proactive foreign policy with countries around the world under the 'Modi Doctrine' and the 'Act East Policy.' Prime Minister Modi is the fourteenth recipient of this award.
Expressing his gratitude for the prestigious honour and in light of India's deepening partnership with the Republic of Korea, Prime Minister Modi has accepted the award. The award will be presented by the Seoul Peace Prize Foundation at a mutually convenient time.
Background
The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul, Republic of Korea – an event in which 160 nations from across the world took part, creating harmony and friendship and a worldwide atmosphere of peace and reconciliation. The Seoul Peace Prize was established to crystallize the Korean people's yearning for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of the world.
The Seoul Peace Prize has been awarded biennially to those individuals who have made their mark through contributions to the harmony of mankind, reconciliation between nations and to world peace. Past laureates include distinguished global personalities like former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and renowned international relief organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam. After assessing over a hundred candidates proposed by over 1300 nominators from around the world, the Award Committee decided to bestow the Prize on Prime Minister Modi, calling him 'the perfect candidate for the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India to export fish meal and fishoil to China
Protocol signed today
Commerce Secretary and Vice Minister of China shaking hands after signing of protocol
The Vice Minister, General Administration of Customs of China , Hu Wei, led a six-member delegation to India to discuss various issues of market access for different productslikemilk and milk products, agricultural products like soy meal, fruits and vegetables, tobacco and pharmaceutical products for which India has been seeking market access from China. Departments of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare and Health and Family Welfare and associated agencies participated in the meetingheld today in New Delhi. The meeting was coordinated by the Department of Commerce.
Both the Indian and Chinese sides appreciated each other’s concerns and agreed to resolve the market access issues expeditiously to achieve the vision of the leaders of both the countries by promoting a more balanced trade.
A protocol on Hygiene and Inspection requirements for the export of Fish Meal and Fish Oil from India to China was signed today. The signing of Protocol formalises the consensus reached by both sides on hygiene and inspection requirements of fish meal and fish oil to be exported from India to China, and will enable India to commence export of fish meal and fish oil to China.
China imports fish oil to the tune of USD 143.29 million, and fish meal to the tune of USD 263.43 million, and signing of the protocol between the two countries paves the way for export of Indian fish oil and fish meal to China.
In the last 6 months this is the second product to get clearance from China. A few months ago, during the meeting of two leaders in Wuhan, the protocol for Indian rice export to China was signed paving the way for export of Indian rice to China.
Ministry of Defence
Union Cabinet approves procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL for Indian Air Force at a cost of over Rs 6,800 crore
The Union Cabinet has approved procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited  for the Indian Air Force at a cost of Rs 6,828.36 crore. The aircraft will be supplied over a period of six years.
The HTT-40 is a turbo prop aircraft and is designed to have good low speed handling qualities and provide better training effectiveness. This fully aerobatic tandem seat turbo trainer has air-conditioned cockpit, modern avionics, hot re-fueling, running change over and zero-zero ejection seats. The aircraft will meet the shortage of basic trainer aircraft of IAF for training of newly inducted pilots. The procurement will include associated equipment and training aids including simulators. Being an indigenous solution, the Aircraft is configurable for upgrades to incorporate the futuristic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
The HTT-40 contains approx. 56% indigenous content which will progressively increase to over 60% through indigenisation of major components and subsystems. The HAL would engage Indian private industry, including MSMEs, in its supply chain. The procurement has the potential to provide direct employment to approx. 1,500 personnel and indirect employment for up to 3,000 people spread over more than 100 MSMEs.
The acquisition of the HTT-40 provides fillip to the Indian Aerospace Defence ecosystem and boosts efforts towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
President's Secretariat
Parliamentary Delegation from Mozambique Calls on The President
.
Welcoming the delegation, the President said that she was happy to receive them at Rashtrapati Bhavan as the first international delegation after her assumption of the office on 25 July 2022. She noted that India and Mozambique enjoy close friendly relations with regular exchange of high-level visits between the two countries.
The President said that Mozambique is our strategic partner and close ally. Indian companies have invested around US$10 billion in Mozambique's natural gas and mining sectors. The Government of India has also provided Line of Credit for different projects in Mozambique. She also noted that the Indian diaspora in Mozambique is contributing to the economic development of Mozambique.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
7 Floating Jetties Sanctioned under Sagarmala Program in Karnataka
100% grant sanctioned to boost tourism, local economy , enhance job opportunities
Floating jetties are a game changer for the tourism sector. It is one of the key initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways  under the Sagarmala program, to promote and develop a unique and innovative concept of floating jetties which is an alternate solution to India's over-crowded small harbours used for fishing and tourism related activities.
In Karnataka, 7 floating jetty projects situated on Gurupura River and Netravati River have been sanctioned by the Ministry recently. These projects are located at Sulthan Bathery, Bandaru ferry, Sandpit Bengre, Northern Sandbar, Old Port, Jeppinamogaru Old Ferry, and Kasaba Bengre, and will enhance tourism, create employment, and generate wealth in a ripple effect across industries throughout the entire geographical region. Rural areas stand to gain the most from the improved regional infrastructure and enhanced job opportunities engendered by tourism-related development projects. These projects have been granted 100% funding of ~Rs. 26 Crore by the Ministry under the Sagarmala Program.
“The government under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji is committed to the ideals of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas” to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and accordingly various initiatives are being implemented across the country under Sagarmala. There are 27 projects in Karnataka worth Rs. 1428 Crore out of which total funds sanctioned from Sagarmala for these projects is Rs. 611 Crore. As of now, 3 projects worth Rs. 70 Crore have been successfully completed. 18 projects worth Rs. 650 Crore have been sanctioned for Karnataka Maritime Board’’, said Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, MoPSW.
The floating jetties have multiple applications including marinas, minor harbours, fishing harbours, fish landing centres and waterdromes. These have several advantages over traditional jetties including being environment friendly, having a longer shelf life and being easily re-configurable.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has successfully implemented a few pilot projects in the recent past by following the international guiding principles. These include setting up of passenger floating jetties in Goa, water-aerodromes at Sabarmati River and at Sardar Sarovar Dam  which are yielding the best results. More than 80 similar projects of the Ministry are under various stages of development all along the coastline of Karnataka, for overall development and upliftment of the coastal community.
The PIB website has been instrumental in my preparation for the UPSC exams: Dr. Vaibhav Saxena
Kanhangad, June 08, 2022
The country has made great strides in the digital arena but at the same time this has imposed additional responsibilities, said Dr. Vaibhav Saxena SP, Kasargod. He said that there has been an unprecedented increase in digital transactions and hence awareness must be increased.
Dr. Saxena was speaking after inaugurating a Regional Media Workshop organized by the Press Information Bureau, Kochi under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in association with the Kanhangad Press Forum, Kasargod today.
Dr. Saxena highlighted the importance of the Media Workshop on topics including government flagship programmes. He also recalled that the PIB website itself had helped him a lot in preparing for the UPSC exam. He also said that the media should sensitize, not sensationalize.
“Media can play a critical role in ensuring that government policies reach the right beneficiaries,” said Dr. Vasudha Gupta, DG, PIB, New Delhi who was the chief guest at the event. Dr. Vasudha Gupta also reminded that when news reaches the people, care should be taken that it should not be mixed with views.
In his keynote address, Shri S. Venkateshwar, Director General, PIB  said that 70% to 80% of the government budget is spent on social sector development. But this was not getting the attention it deserved in the media. He stressed that the media should pay more attention to such news.
Shri V. Palanichamy Additional Director General, PIB, Kerala Lakshadweep region, presided over the function. He pointed out that there were endless possibilities for those in the media, especially the youth, and they should take care to gain more knowledge about their field in a time-bound manner. “Government communication is largely developmental and this should be given more space in the media for the benefit of the common man,” he added.
Senior Journalists Shri V. V. Prabhakaran and Shri T. Muhemmed Aslam were felicitated during the function.
As part of the Workshop, sessions were held on various subjects. Shri Dinakaran Kombileth, Special Correspondent, Mathrubhumi, Kannur led the first session on ‘Morality and Ethics in Journalism’.
Shri N. P. C. Renjith, Chief Reporter, Malayala Manorama spoke on the ‘Challenges & Expectations Relating to Digital Journalism & Cable TV.'
Smt. Rashmi Roja Thushara Nair, Director , PIB, Kochi elaborated on the role and functions of PIB.
And, Ms. Divya K. B. District Development Manager of NABARD threw light on the Flagship programs of the Union Government and the significance of their reporting.
Shri Isaac Eippen, Deputy Director, PIB Kochi welcomed the gathering. Kanhangad Press Forum President Shri P Praveen Kumar and Secretary Shri Joy Maroor were also present on the occasion.
Around 70 journalists from various print, visual, audio, and online media participated in the workshop.
PIB periodically organizes such workshops in various districts to build a direct interface with regional media persons as part of its outreach activities.